Jan-March 2006 - Institute of Sikh Studies

116ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : JAN-MARCH 2006 / 537-38 NSDr Birendra Kaur felt that the ISC would bind together like thethread of a rosary doest its beads all Sikh Organisations. She advocatedgreater participation of women in the ISC on the basis of their meritand contribution.Dr Surjit Singh from Cleveland, USA wanted a thorough clauseby-clausediscussion on the draft of the Constitution, which theorganisers assured him would be done immediately after the enrolmentof members.Dr Sukhmandir Singh, Dean & Professor, Civil Engineering,Berkeley University, Santa Clara Campus, USA, and Visiting Professor,Cambridge University, UK, in his Presidential Remarks on the secondday of the Conclave, stressed the extremely urgent need to create aninternational body of the Sikhs to meet the challenges of the moderntimes. He also dwelt upon the reasons for the failure of two earlierefforts to create such an international body. He expressed his strongdispleasure with the ritualistic superstructure that has crept into Sikhreligion over and above the teachings of Sikh Gurus and Guru GranthSahib. “Package has become heavier than the substance”, in his words.Finally, he suggested the emulation of the Jewish paradigm for therejuvenation of the Sikh diaspora. The Jews, passing through a similartortuous historical period, rejuvenated themselves and emerged winnersafter they found the best tool of empowerment of their communitythrough the medium of education, for which they created a billiondollar educational fund called JEF. They dominate every aspect ofAmerican society through the education of their children for whichthey ensure financial support. Dr Sukhmandir Singh suggested creationof a similar educational fund for the Sikhs to educate and empowerevery Sikh child to combat all the dangers facing the Sikh Panth.Giani Harinder Singh, President Kendri Singh Sabha read outthe Resolution for the formation of the ISC, and the constitution ofthe ad hoc committee to give a practical shape to this Body within aperiod of six months (copy of the Resolution attached). The resolutionwas passed by a voice vote and raising of hands, and hailed with jaikarasof Sat Sri Akal by the delegates present in the convention.In the concluding session which was chaired by Dr GurcharanSingh Kalkat, Lt Gen Kartar Singh Gill then announced the methodto be adopted for the formation of the ad hoc committee within the